"Space growth is really important for us," says Dis-Chem financial director Rui Morais.
Dis-Chem Pharmacies financial director Rui Morais said that despite the challenging year in terms of the industrial action experienced by the group, its plans of growing store numbers are still on track.
The retail chain released its provisional reviewed full-year earnings for the year ended 28 February, recording a 10 percent increase in group revenue to R21.4 billion, earnings per share, headline earnings per share increased by 7.4 percent, and a cash dividend of 13.47 cents per share.
“Taking into account a constrained macro indicative of a challenged consumer the ability the brand has to continue to take market share across our core categories was pleasing to see,” Rui said.
The group plans to remain focused on adding retail stores. Five stores have been added since the financial year end and an additional 17 store openings are planned through to February 2020.
About which, Rui commented:
“In terms of opportunity, space growth is really important for us considering the consolidating nature of the retail pharma industry.”
Rui said that, in addition, now focusing on productivity metrics and cost efficiencies is very crucial for Dis-Chem in the wholesale space to ensure that it starts to leverage that environment.
